Next setback for their European Cup dreams: Werder Bremen will remain winless in 2025 after an unfortunate performance.
Coach Ole Werner’s team deservedly lost 0-2 (0-2) against the efficient FC Augsburg at the end of the 18th matchday and thus missed out on a place in the European Cup. Samuel Essende (5th and 45th + 1) shocked the Green-Whites with a brace on Sunday evening, Werder didn’t make enough of their opportunities and made mistakes in the crucial moments.
Bremen remained winless three times in a row for the first time this season, conceding nine goals and is now ninth in the table – two points behind the international places. Augsburg, however, made a strong improvement in the fight to stay in the league with their second away win in a row. Jess Thorup’s team is in twelfth place and has increased their points cushion over the relegation place to eight points.
“We want to get our first win of the new year,” Werner said before the game. But then Essende thwarted all of Bremen’s plans shortly after kick-off, the 26-year-old came through strongly and skillfully hit the left corner. In the scene, the Werder defense around captain Marco Friedl, who returned after his yellow card suspension, didn’t look good at all.
Werder Bremen is sleeping on the defensive
The Bremen team were only briefly shocked in front of 39,350 spectators, shook themselves and tried to regain control of the game. Driven by Marvin Ducksch and Leonardo Bittencourt, the team kept moving forward – but it wasn’t really dangerous at first.
This was also due to the fact that Augsburg defended in a very disciplined manner and their offside trap was often sprung. With the lead behind them, the guests were primarily concerned with standing securely – in order to then put pinpricks after winning the ball on the counterattack. Referee Benjamin Brand withdrew a red card initially imposed on Augsburg’s Kristijan Jakic after a supposed emergency stop against Ducksch after video evidence (41st) – and shortly afterwards denied Werder a possible hand penalty.
As in the initial phase, Werder’s defense fell asleep again shortly before half-time when Essende’s second goal was scored; the Congolese international was able to calmly head in after a cross from Dimitrios Giannoulis.
Werder reacted with anger and quickly had the opportunity to score. But Marco Grüll only hit the post (55th), seconds later Finn Dahmen parried against Ducksch. As the game went on, the home side increased the risk again – but the lucky punch was no longer successful.